COVID-19, Additional Budget... Hwang Kyo-ahn Also Mentions Amid Ruling Party's Push

As TK COVID-19 Cases Rise, United Future Party Emergency... From Government Criticism to Support Urging
Hwang Kyo-ahn Also Says "Supplementary Budget Where Needed"... Party TF Formed
Lee Nak-yeon "Must Prepare Supplementary Budget"... Lee Hae-chan "Actively Prepare Party-Government Measures"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Kim Hyemin and Heo Midam] As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has entered the stage of community transmission, the political sphere has united in demanding strong countermeasures.

In particular, as confirmed cases rapidly increased in the stronghold Daegu and Gyeongbuk (TK) regions, the United Future Party (UFP) has been put on alert. Ahead of the general election, the party, which had criticized the government's response, is now shifting to a more proactive stance by urging the government to implement strong support measures. UFP leader Hwang Kyo-ahn mentioned for the first time the necessity of a supplementary budget (추경).

On the 21st, during an election campaign in Jongno, Hwang told reporters in front of Nakwon Barber Shop, "I have consistently stated that supplementary budgets should be made where necessary," adding, "From that perspective, I will carefully review to ensure a proper supplementary budget." This contrasts with his remarks at the previous day's Supreme Council meeting, where he said, "If they plan to pour public funds again under the pretext of the Wuhan pneumonia, they should stop immediately."

Regarding his previous remarks, Hwang explained, "I pointed out the misuse of funds that do not meet the requirements under the guise of a supplementary budget," and added, "It is not right to recklessly use other budgets here and there taking advantage of the situation." When Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Boo-kyum criticized on the radio that "Leader Hwang seems unaware of the seriousness of the situation and spoke as if it were just reckless spending," it appeared that UFP was conscious of the risk of being perceived as opposing the government's comprehensive measures, including the supplementary budget.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Floor leader Shim Jae-cheol also renamed the existing floor strategy meeting to a 'COVID-19 Emergency Meeting' and emphasized bipartisan cooperation. He stated, "We will take all possible measures to protect the lives and safety of the people. We will cooperate across party lines on quarantine measures," and added, "We will also strive for parliamentary-level measures so that the COVID-19 special committee can start promptly."

However, regarding the supplementary budget, he showed a cautious attitude, saying, "The principle of fiscal execution is to use contingency funds first and then, if insufficient, proceed with a supplementary budget," and "We need to honestly inform the National Assembly about how much contingency funds are needed and seek approval first. Talking about the supplementary budget first without mentioning contingency funds makes me wonder if there is an ulterior motive."

The UFP also refrained from using the term "Wuhan pneumonia," which they had used previously. At the same time, they urged the government to ▲raise the crisis alert level to 'serious' ▲reconsider whether the 14-day self-quarantine period is appropriate. They also formed a Daegu-Gyeongbuk COVID-19 Spread Prevention Task Force (TF) led by lawmakers Jeong Jong-seop and Choi Gyo-il. Sohn Hak-kyu, leader of the Bareunmirae Party, emphasized the need for a strong government response, saying, "It is urgent to raise the infectious disease crisis alert from the current 'alert' level to the highest 'serious' level," and "If necessary, the April 15 general election should also be considered for postponement."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The ruling party has been emphasizing the need for a supplementary budget continuously. Following Yeongnam region lawmakers Kim Boo-kyum and Kim Young-choon, lawmaker Lee Nak-yeon also expressed the necessity of a supplementary budget. On the same day, he said on a radio program, "If necessary, we should prepare a supplementary budget. Opposition leaders say not to spend taxes, but taxes are meant to be used in times like this." Party leader Lee Hae-chan also requested, "In response to the urgent calls for supplementary budget preparation from the Yeongnam regional campaign chairpersons, the party and government should actively prepare countermeasures."